The Hyundai brand is a popular brand in Nigeria and the Hyundai ix35 is one of the most dependable family SUVs from the Hyundai brand. However, in Nigeria, it is mostly only available as a used car because it was produced for a limited time. Despite this, it remains a popular choice among car buyers. It faces tough competition from other family SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4. Even though it’s available as a used car, the Hyundai ix35 still holds up well and offers great value for money. In this article, we will explore some hidden facts about the Hyundai ix35 that many Nigerians may not know.
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Overview of the Hyundai ix35
The Hyundai ix35 is a practical, dependable, and affordable SUV. It’s not sold anymore—it became the Tucson in 2016—but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a used car. It was available from 2009 to 2016 and came with a few petrol and diesel engine choices. There was even a hydrogen-powered version called the ix35 FCEV, but it’s very rare and not widely available.
Hyundai ix35 Engine, Transmission and Performance
The Hyundai ix35 offers a choice between petrol or diesel engines. For petrol, you can pick either a 1.6-litre or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Diesel options include a 1.7-litre or a 2.0-litre unit. Among the types of diesel, the 1.7-litre model is popular because it’s fuel-efficient. When Hyundai updated the ix35 in 2013, they improved its suspension for better handling on rough roads. However, you might not notice much difference when driving it. It handles bumps fine but leans too much in corners, and the steering isn’t very responsive. Still, it’s good for city driving with excellent visibility and a high seating position. It’s also comfortable for long journeys. Apart from petrol and diesel, Hyundai also offers a hydrogen-powered ix35 FCEV version. It’s quiet and emits no CO2, but it’s costly and not very fast.
Hyundai ix35 Fuel Efficiency
When buying a Hyundai ix35, you might find more diesel options because that’s what most people chose when it was new. The 1.7-litre diesel engine, with 116 horsepower, is a good choice because it gets around 50mpg. The 2.0-litre diesel is less efficient but offers strong performance. Petrol engines are better if you drive mostly in town, but they’re harder to find and less valuable. If you prefer petrol, look for the 1.6-litre engine, which gets around 40mpg and has 135hp. The 2.0-litre petrol engine has 166hp, while the 2.0-litre diesel has 136hp.
Hyundai ix35 Interior, design and technology
Hyundai took a bold approach with the design of the ix35, giving it a unique mix of sharp lines, smooth curves, and a tall and sturdy appearance. While it may look a bit unusual from certain angles, it definitely stands out in a crowd. All versions come with striking LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, and body-coloured bumpers and mirrors. Higher trim levels add silver-finish roof rails and optional extras like bi-xenon headlights, larger alloy wheels, and chrome door handles, which add to its visual appeal. The interior isn’t quite as boldly designed, but it’s stylish enough and well-built. There are lots of soft materials, the controls feel solid, and the blue backlighting adds a touch of elegance at night. The elevated driving position offers a great view of the road. While entry-level models are basic, higher trims offer features like heated seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, and a leather steering wheel. The Premium trim even includes an upgraded navigation system with a user-friendly touchscreen and clear mapping.
Hyundai ix35 Practicality, comfort and boot space
Because the Hyundai ix35 is quite big on the outside, it’s good for families. While its boot isn’t as wide as some other SUVs, like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V, it still has a flat floor and offers a decent 591 litres of space. When you fold down the rear seats, it expands to 1,436 litres, but there aren’t any easy levers to do that from the back. However, there’s a handy hidden compartment under the floor, along with hooks for shopping bags, a power supply, and a net. Inside, there are lots of places to store things, like big door pockets, a deep cubby under the armrest, and a cooled glovebox. Although the plastic on the back of the front seats may look cheap, it’s durable and easy to clean. In the back, legroom isn’t amazing for a car this size, and getting in and out can be tricky because of the narrow door openings.
Hyundai ix35 Reliability and Safety
Hyundai has a good reputation for making durable cars, and the ix35 is one of their best. Safety is a strong point for the ix35. It comes with six airbags, stability control, and active head restraints. While 4WD is available for some models, features like lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and collision avoidance are not offered as options.
Hyundai ix35 Price
The price of a used Hyundai ix35 in Nigeria ranges from ₦4,200,000 to ₦12,300,000, depending on the model year and condition.
Here are some examples of used Hyundai ix35 prices in Lagos:
- 2012 Red: ₦6,500,000
- 2013 White: ₦6,350,000
- 2013 Black: ₦7,750,000
- 2011 Gray: ₦6,750,000
- 2011 Black: ₦7,850,000
- 2014 Gray: ₦11,340,000
